Adam Lambert has the Best Eyes

Adam Lambert the American Idol runner-up, guyliner and who else - he has the best eyes :) Don't you think? This is a little oil painting I made yesterday (It is available here.) (it is currently sold out, but let me know if you would like one too.)


I have been working on several needle felted dolls recently. For example, my chubby mermaid had a vol 2. Also, a person who wanted a companion for the mermaid had the best idea - needle felted captain. You can see the photo below.



I am going to continue working on these sea related art dolls, it is definitely a theme I like. I need a plenty more practice, hopefully I will get THERE some day.

Art Pendants by ArtbyMar

She doesn't kill spiders and likes people to not whine, but take action to change things. She makes art pendants and keeps a great shop at etsy. Meet Marge from ArtbyMar!

Etsy shop address:
www.artbymar.etsy.com

Blog address:
www.artbymar.blogspot.com
Youtube address:
Don't have one, I know I am behind the times!

Who are you and what do you do? For how long time?
I am a 40 something female from Pittsburgh, PA who has been an artist for as long as I can remember. I began actually selling my art and pendants on line about 3 years ago. I like lots of different music, I would have to say the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton being some of my favorites (showing my age there!). But I do like at least some of my teenage kids' music even if they tell me I am too old to like it. I love the Harry Potter books and movies as well as good old fashioned spooky movies. Recently watched Twilight with my daughter and loved that too. Gone with the Wind has always been a favorite book also. I love animals and have two dogs and what we call our part time cat. She actually belongs to a neighbor but lives about 75% of the time at my house. I love chocolate probably more so now because I cannot eat it because of an allergy. Doesn't always stop me though!

I started on Etsy just selling my artwork then got the idea to turn my art into pendants. I love anything old and vintage and have a huge collection of old illustrations from many sources which I have also been using to make my pendants. I create because I have to, meaning I get crabby if I do not!

What did you do 10 years ago on this day?
Let's see April 1999, what was I doing? My kids were little so I probably spent the day mostly tending to them. I was still working part time so maybe it was a day at the office.

What do you think about global whining?
I do think it is a concern and that everyone should do their part in protecting the environment. My Dad was way ahead of his time with recycling. I was raised with the idea not to create waste and reuse everything possible (this was long before it was fashionable to do so). It is something that has stuck with me and in fact I only have maybe one or two "new" pieces of furniture in my house. The rest came from my parents and even my grandparents.

What do you like?
I love animals, antiques, and I love genealogy. It is my other passion besides art.

What do you don't like?
Mean people in general and those that whine about everything. My feeling is don't whine, take action to change things.

Where do babies come from?
From the stork of course!!
If you could hold one charity event, for what would it be?
To benefit all the homeless animals in shelters. We recently adopted our second dog who is 5 years old from a wonderful shelter.

Pants or a skirt?
Definitely pants. After many years wearing panty hose to work everyday I cannot stand them.

Tell us about your creative process.
When I draw I am not always sure where the ideas come from, they just seem to pop into my head. I can spend hours sifting through vintage images to find just the right ones to work with my pendants. I am definitely a morning person make most of my pendants right after my morning coffee.

Where do you find your ideas and inspiration?
Most of my ideas just pop into my head or from looking through my vintage images. But they can come from anywhere. I can see a picture, a tree, just about anything then get an idea and run with it.

Dogs or cats?
Now that we have the "part-time" cat I would have to say both even though I am supposed to be allergic to cats.

What is what you haven't done yet but would like to do?
I would like to travel more and see more of the US as well as Europe. Always wanted to fly a fighter jet also but I don't see that happening anytime soon!

How do you gain courage when something needs to be dealt with?
I have a few phrases that I repeat to myself like "This too will pass", "What doesn't kill you will make you stronger", and "I have been through worse than this". From past experiences I have learned to just suck it up and deal with whatever situation it is and it will make me stronger.

What is your advice to a seller, shop keeper or blogger?
My blog has been a little neglected lately so for bloggers I would say keep yours current. For sellers my advice is do not whine, take action. Find what works for your shop which might not be what works for others. Take great photos, update regularly and above all make sure your customer service is excellent.

Quote to live by?
"Don't worry, be happy"

Your idol(s)?
I have always admired my great grandmother even though I never met her. I know a lot about her life through my grandmother and my family history research. She raised 11 children practically on her own due to a stinker of a husband. This was a time when women could not easily get an education or a job. She did what ever was necessary such as sewing, cleaning, etc for others to support her family. I leaned the importance of independence and being strong from her.

What would you never do?
Be mean to animals. My husband makes fun of me because I will not even kill a spider in the house. I either pretend I don't see them or if it is a big creepy bug I scoop it up in a paper cup and put it outside.

What is "in" at the moment?
Well I know it was the octopus for awhile, I think now maybe birds? I like to think I am "current" then my kids inform me I am not.

If you were to start a trend what would it be?
I think it would be nice if just being nice to others as well as non violence was a trend in today's world. As far as my art I tend to do what appeals to me and makes me passionate and not worry so much about trends.

Would you like to add something?
Some people think it is strange that my main focus now is art because I have had a long diversified road getting here. I majored in history in college. Then worked for many years as an analyst and business manager. Of couse this has helped for the business side of art which I think many artists struggle with.

Thank You!

Beautiful Originals from Christinamarieart

Found Christinamarieart's shop while randomly clicking around Etsy and I just instantly fell in love with her style. The dragonfly art card was the one that drew me in. So I figured I might share my find with you in case you collect original ACEO paintings or just like surround yourself with gratifying art.
Clicking on images will take you straight to the listings.
I sent her some questions and she was willing to answer them,
here is how it went:

Who are you and what do you do?
I'm an artist. I work with acrylics. I've been an artist all of my life. Age, sex, location, favorite music, books etc: 41, F, Amelia Island, FL but moving to Murfreesboro TN next week!, most everything but country and whats on the radio now, mostly non-fiction, Buffalo 66!, I love all pets but mostly cats because they are soft.

Why? Still asking myself that question

Who? I found him 8 months ago
Where? The giant ocean of dreams

What did you do 10 years ago on this day? geeezz....hmmm I ate some dark chocolate I know that much!

What do you think about global whining? Crying or warming? I think they are both powerful and real.

What do you like? Things of substance. Emotions.

What do you don't like? Narcissism and greed.
Where do babies come from? God

If you could hold one charity event, for what would it be? Hunger.

Pants or a skirt? Skirt

Tell us about your creative process. My work is 99% intuitive. Otherwise I haven't a clue what I am doing.

Where do you find your ideas and inspiration? Emotions

Dogs or cats? Cats

What is what you haven't done yet but would like to do? Visit Austria

How do you gain courage when something needs to be dealt with? That is when I have the most courage. It just kicks in.

What is your advice to a seller, shop keeper or blogger? Presentation is as important as your product!
Quote to live by? Stay present.

Your idol(s)? I don't think I have any.

What would you never do? Sky dive.

What is "in" at the moment? Anything contemporary.

If you were to start a trend what would it be? Art painted on the bottom of the bathtub?? lol

Would you like to add something? Thank you for inviting me to do this interview. I think there are some seriously talented people on Etsy, you are one of them!

Thank you!

Web Hosting Directory Site

InMotion hosting is a website hosting site that allows you to get a better overview of all kinds of different sites that offer a web page hosting service. There is a short résumé for every host site that concludes all the facts that might help you decide - prices of different offers (some services are for free too), e-mail features, databases, scripting, security, available site building tools, general info and so on. Also you can see what special offers would come to each buy of a domain, for example - coupons for Google Adwords, Yahoo marketing and more.

Also, if you scroll down, under the summary you can find expert opinions about the site host. It's not all cherishing and praising, so the opinions look credible. Expert reviewers base their opinions on different factors, you can see the list below, and then they add a comment to explain the rating.

Reliability & Uptime:
Space, Traffic, Software:
Technical Support:
Customer_Support:
Price&Quality:
Average Rating:

Sites are categorized by different aspects. Also, there is a section called "Hosting Awards 2008" on the left sidebar. For example you get to know who got the Best Budget Hosting, Best Forum Hosting or the Best Multi-Domain Hosting award.
The last but not least, here is a database of articles about hosting sites and choices you have about domains and building a site, SEO and much more. Plenty to read, even if you are not going to purchase a domain right away.

Needle Felted Sailor

He should be on a boat though, not hiding in grass.

Needle felted with Estonian lamb wool.
Stands about 8 inches high.

My American Idol's Favorite Song - Kris And Danny

Kris Allen and Danny Goeky sins Styx's "Renegade". They sound so good together! This is the 4 minute long studio version, couldn't find the American Idol live performance.



There are only 2 left this year! Let's see who wins:) I think at this year, final 4 - all of them will do good in the business!:) At least I hope they will.

10 Reasons Why Gay Marriage Is "Wrong"

Found this from the forums of Etsy.com.

kimiko611 says:

I saw this on my Facebook profile and thought I'd share it :o) _______________ 1) Being gay is not natural. Real people always reject unnatural things like eyeglasses, polyester, and air conditioning. 2) Gay marriage will encourage people to be gay, in the same way that hanging around tall people will make you tall. 3) Legalizing gay marriage will open the door to all kinds of crazy behavior. People may even wish to marry their pets because a dog has legal standing and can sign a marriage contract. 4) Straight marriage has been around a long time and hasn't changed at all; women are still property, blacks still can't marry whites, and divorce is still illegal. 5) Straight marriage will be less meaningful if gay marriage were allowed; the sanctity of Brittany Spears' 55-hour just-for-fun marriage would be destroyed. 6) Straight marriages are valid because they produce children. Gay couples, infertile couples, and old people shouldn't be allowed to marry because our orphanages aren't full yet, and the world needs more children. 7) Obviously gay parents will raise gay children, since straight parents only raise straight children. 8) Gay marriage is not supported by religion. In a theocracy like ours, the values of one religion are imposed on the entire country. That's why we have only one religion in the world. 9) Children can never succeed without a male and a female role model at home. That's why we as a society expressly forbid single parents to raise children. 10) Gay marriage will change the foundation of society; we could never adapt to new social norms. Just like we haven't adapted to cars, the service-sector economy, or longer life spans

Needle Felted Hedgehog

Straight from under the felting needle, a little soft wool sculpture of an animal everyone meets at their back garden time to time. And does NOT give milk for them to drink., but water, which doesn't make them sick.

Have you ever held one?

Anyway,
here he is from every angle:

Found My Bunny On Theartisticblogger's Blog

Hamptongraphics blogged about my bunny, you can see the post here http://www.theartisticblogger.com/2009/05/what-is-on-rabbits-mind.html. You can read from there why I decided to take some new photos today :D And this photo, on the sunlight and chilling on the sun and leaning on the flower - it doesn't look like bunny porn anymore. Right? Right? :D It can't be porn if there is a yellow flower on the background. That is one of the first rules in the porn manual.

Needle Felted Bunny

Trying to figure out new figures to felt every week. This weeks special is - the white chilling bunny. The way he holds it's eyes half-shut was very suitable for a fast driving bunny or a skateboarder bunny, but I figured I do not have materials for those little accessories needed. So I just made him a chilling rabbit this time :)

If I ever learn to work better with metals I can try to make a little skate board or a bike or a cosy garden chair. But until then I can just keep needle felting little animals with imaginary settings.

Green and Yellow [Photos]

I love how spring leaves and grass are so light green in contrast to the overall grayness/ dry grass and leaves from the last year. These pictures are taken in a forest near Elva (Estonia, Europe).

Yellow anemone:

Do You Like Cute Bees?

I have to show you what I found. Look at this chubby little bumblebee sitting on its butt :D So cute. You can get this stylish paper mache sculpture from Fishstikks's shop. You can also just click on the picture it will take you to the listing.

Needle Felted Chubby Mermaid

Yesterday's half day of work. I figured I might try to needle felt one really ladylike mermaid with pearls around the neck and everything. Well, the pearls are glass but still. I googled chubby naked ladies for models and guess what I found - Matt Lucas on the set of Little Britain . So, I got my model from there.

Featured Seller: Imaginepirineos

Etsy shop address: http://www.imaginepirineos.etsy.com/
Blog/Website address: http://www.sprinkle-diary.blogspot.com/

Who are you and what do you do? For how long time? I write a blog under my pen name, Sprinkle, and basically share my artistic adventures and little observations here and there. I've been blogging and keeping up my etsy shop since last October, and its been really fantastic so far. I've sold a few items here and there, but mostly its more about finding strong connections with girls around the globe who share my interests & getting a positive response to my artwork. :)
Why? I started sharing my artwork on flickr.com originally, then met Lottie over at The Tea Drinking English Rose (http://theteadrinkingenglishrose.blogspot.com/), and she convinced me to get a blog. I started {Sprinkle} Tiaras Atop Our Pastel Hair;; with hopes of gaining traffic at my etsy shop, but it turned into much more. Its been amazing to meet these fantastic new friends and bloggers, and I've been able to carve out my own little corner of the blogosphere.

What did you do 10 years ago on this day? I was in a preschool classroom cutting out butterflies and snowflakes, covering things in glitter, and playing in the sandbox with my glittery Wizard-of-Oz esque shoes... Just a guess, of course, I can't really remember. :)

What do you think about global whining? Hmm, well, I'm not exactly sure its whining. As far as Global Warming, I'm not exactly convinced we're all going to die, doom and gloom, etc., but I do think its a huge issue and we should all make efforts to undo the harm & destruction we've caused. And having to do with other issues, socially and politically, I think we all have a lot of work to do. Whining? No way. But action? Yes!

What do you like? Wow, such a broad topic! I love... Adorable, indie love stories, when people are open to hearing the other side of any story, being able to travel without restrictions, (I wish!), big cities, twinkling stars, cheesy commercials, people who smile, cupcakes, art, etc... :)

Pants or a skirt? This one is difficult... I love the aesthetics of flowing dresses and floral skirts, with nice feminine touches on everything, but I'm more comfortable and happy in pants. Yeah, I'd have to go with pants, but just accessorize with girly shirts and grandfather cardigans, with the always-necessary pearls.

Tell us about your creative process. Haha, I really wish that I had one. That may be something worth considering... Basically when I'm not doing schoolwork, I cut out pictures that I find inspiring from various magazines and try and sketch out a few ideas of things of things to create. Usually I make collages, journal, or paint and sew on clothing. I hope to have more time this summer for art. Oh, and the music of The Beach Boys, Abba, and The Ditty Bops is usually essential to my creative glow...

Where do you find your ideas and inspiration? My best friend Chiclet is my biggest muse; She always has amazing ideas. We've spent our highschool years so far passing back and forth beautiful, purple "Inspiration Journal." We fill it with gorgeous magazine editorials, glitter, feathers, letters to each other, old photobooth strips... Everything. So that's always a big inspiration to me. I also find great ideas from the blog world. Some of my favorites are Gala Darling, Emily Martin, and Lottie from The Tea Drinking English Rose. But I have so many precious bloggers in my heart that I don't even have room to mention! :)

What is your advice to a seller, shop keeper or blogger? Make connections with everyone. Don't be afraid to reach out to someone you idolize within the blogworld... You'll find that most are often more modest than you think, and they may be willing to have a conversation with you, offer you up some advice. Hey, you may even get a new friend.

Quote to live by? "Procrastination isn't the problem, it's the solution. So procrastinate now, don't put it off." -Ellen DeGeneres

Your idol(s)? Oh, I have so many! Are you ready for this? Andy Warhol, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Ellen DeGeneres, (I'm a sucker for comediennes!), Gala Darling, Betsey Johnson, Nara Yoshitomo, Regina Spektor, Ingrid Michaelson... Wow. And there's so many more that I can't even think of. And of course, my best friends and my family.

What is "in" at the moment? Being nice and happy. Go for it.

Would you like to add something? The world needs your creativity. Don't forget to share your spectacular opinions and leave fairydust and butterfly kisses wherever you go. xoxo.